Two running for Isle of Wight's Windsor seat

Conservative spending, open government is core of Darden's campaign

ISLE OF WIGHT – Tom Wright, chairman of the Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors, says he is running for a third – and final – term so he can finish up business.

"I hate to run off with so much fixed to happen right now," said Wright, referring to several potential economic development deals in the works for both the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park and the International Paper's closed paper mill site in southern Isle of Wight. International Paper is in the process of repurposing its site for a fluff plant and several other businesses.

Wright, who represents the Windsor district, is being challenged by community activist and long-time county farmer, Dee Dee Darden. Although she has been appointed to several county boards, Darden – who spearheaded efforts to keep Walmart from coming to the proposed Benn's Grant community – has never run for political office.

"The main reason I'm running now is because we need a more open government," said Darden. "People deserve to know more facts before the county enters into projects like the water deal. I think citizens need to take the county back and get it into more fiscally responsible hands."

Darden is referring to the 2009 water deal with Norfolk, which has emerged as a hot button issue in this year's election because of the apparent lack of transparency in negotiations. Wright, chairman of the Western Tidewater Water Authority when the deal was brokered, said details were kept under wraps at Norfolk's request.

Wright, in an interview last week, defended the secretive actions, saying 40-year water deal is largely responsible for bringing three major economic development prospects to the county. One of those prospects, a manufacturer coming to Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park, will make a formal announcement Friday.

Despite running on a platform of more conservative spending, Darden supports the $23 million construction of a new Windsor Middle School. Wright also backs building the new school, which is partially funded with a $7.5 million interest-free government loan.

Darden is also calling for part of the county's long-term debt to be restructured.

Darden said the incoming supervisors need to revisit implementing seven – rather than the current five – voting districts. Wright disagreed, saying the board followed its outside legal counsel's advice when it adopted the five-district plan.

"Why hire consultants if we are not going to follow their recommendations?" Wright said.

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